How to play "Minute by Minute" by the Doobie Brothers

[@peterelkas]

“Pretty close, I think” ha! It’s beyond spot on. Incredible job and thanks for posting. I’ll be slowing this down for the next 2 years until I can possibly play the intro!

[@How2PlayMusic]

I was thinking of doing a complete breakdown for the intro.

[@Wiggy74]

That intro 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@NatureMovies]

Excellent articulation of the the chords. I seen fill-in keyboardists in McDonalds live band that played most of the chords in two or three note voicings just touching the 6's and 9's and really gappy sounding. You've got this going full, maybe more full than the original!! This is a great study in chordal interaction and inversions. Will download this for reference, just love those chords.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks, I'm glad it can be a blessing to you!

[@RebaGould]

This is a fantastic cover! I believe you have it right also. I like the way you just play through it with the view from above so I can see what you're doing and catch the timing. So many tutorials are so incredibly slow-paced that it drives me insane and I lose interest. I don't have the patience to sit through someone breaking down a song note-by-note. Thanks so much. There were a few spots where I couldn't quite figure out what he was doing and this has helped sort it out for me. Thank you! Hey, what voice are you using on the keyboard? I'm struggling to figure that out. I have trouble picking the right one since I previously only played actual pianos. Technology is a new thing for me.

[@Tom_Vince]

Dude this song ain't no joke, its super hard and your nailing it man. Really full chord articulation. Damn good.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Thomas! It is one of my faves! Love me some Michael McDonald!

[@marlonschmelling1052]

Wow, that was a SOLID playthrough of the entire track!!! Outstanding performance.

[@LichaelMewis]

And to think McDonald has to sing (incredibly I might add) while playing all of that. Just amazing!

[@How2PlayMusic]

I know right! The guy is for sure amazing!

[@bwaters98]

Watching how music is played makes you appreciate it that much more! Excellent!

[@How2PlayMusic]

I appreciate that!

[@dmarkj22]

As a guitar player I always loved the intro to this song.

[@stanvans3214]

THE FINGERS OF AN ANGEL!

[@Robbyrobby-j1n]

30 years!!! back ... once heard this song on the radio, recorded it on a tape recorder, but did not record the name of the group ... then listened to it a million times and only a month ago found it in the video "KEYSCAPE - Greg Phillinganes: Electric Piano Hits!" where he plays her first !! 30 years I was looking for her !! In the description of the video - the name of the group and the name of the song .. Thank you all !!! Awesome song! Awesome piano! Awesome performance !!

[@carriersignal]

I know the feeling man. From about 1987 to 2012, I search for part of a song with no lyrics. Then, I heard something that sounded oddly similar one day around September 2012. I actually remember the month and year. It turned out to be a track by the Pat Metheny Group.

[@mosesramirez6330]

Wow! I can't imagine never hearing this song on classic rock radio, in the grocery store, or just being out in society period. Then again, I had a similar experience with Steppin' Out by Joe Jackson. I had it stuck in my head for years before I finally heard it again probably a good 15-20 years later.

[@clarencewillingham3030]

Those beginning chords are gospel chords, very soulful

[@HopeMarlette]

Yes they are. It makes me wonder what Michael McDonald's background was. Maybe he had gospel influences in his life?

[@How2PlayMusic]

For sure!

[@rmirabelle]

Excellent transcription! Not that it needs to be any MORE difficult, but the very first time through that looping intro pattern, I play the first 3 chords (Dm, C/E, F) inverted as needed to pin C to the top of each chord (the recording seems to do that). Then the remainder of the pattern, I play as usual. This progression is wickedly challenging, but for unusual reasons. Each of the individual chords is easy, but stringing 10 of them together that quickly is anything but. The ultimate beast-mode challenge is tapping your foot to quarter notes while playing all those 'tuple-grouped' triplets. Madness!

[@How2PlayMusic]

You are spot on Robert about the inversion at the beginning. I do it that way now. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@marlaplunk2833]

Excellent comment. I haven't even tried to play this song yet, but just reading your analysis (along with the video demonstration by How 2 Play) gives a LOT of useful context that I needed first. Thank you!

[@tgirard123]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!! You got it right, including all the transitions. I'm playing this with a band this weekend!!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Glad I could help!

[@ajotech]

That was so soulful and AMAZING WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ross102591]

. Bravo sir!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you Ross.

[@eddiepires3998]

I cannot begin to imagine how much work it took to work out the whole track. It's one of my favourites. I thoroughly enjoyed watching and listening to you play :-) fantastic , thanks very much

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Eddie!

[@strauqq1]

Damn, you pretty much nailed the hell out of that song dude. Your rhythm and groove was on point.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks man!

[@SteveInQLD007]

I can't play piano but because of this tune I wish I could, love the groove, feel and timing of it and you played it perfectly!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you!

[@GabrielSanchez-ts3ph]

Enjoyed watching you play so much, and it has taken my appreciation of the original song to a new level. I must have played your version 10 times while I ironed my clothes for the week. Thank you so much for taking the effort to record and post this!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks so much Gabriel!

[@jessicafalstein]

such a fantastic song. some gospel influence in there as well. bravo!

[@How2PlayMusic]

I am a gospel guy so songs like these inspired me toward that genre later in life. Another great group that has that gospel feel is Ambrosia's Biggest Part Of Me and You're The Only Woman.

[@mikemjl64]

Excellent job. This is way tougher than Aja for sure.

[@germany2263]

Absolutely fabulous! Perfect piano for me to sing to

[@How2PlayMusic]

That's great!

[@littleboy437]

BY FAR THE BEST

[@thefantompianist4165]

Superb!👌

[@LiberLotus]

Thank you for doing this! Great tutorial

[@joemonroe1106]

Such a great groove.

[@How2PlayMusic]

I agree. One of my faves.

[@catboyzee]

Excellent demonstration, very helpful to me. Thanks for posting.

[@How2PlayMusic]

You’re welcome. I’m glad it helped!

[@TonyTheBassPlayer1]

You sir are one bad hombre.

[@How2PlayMusic]

I'm not sure if that is a compliment or a slam. Haha. But I'm gonna take it as a compliment because I'm a glass half full type of guy. Thanks Tony! I am in the process of creating my own instructional website at www.how2play.us. If you want to check it out I have a free course that I am offering on "Understanding the Nashville Number System". God bless!

[@cobyhunt6590]

So awesome

[@mattizchilled4041]

It just takes ear n practice and definitely...feels to get this

[@natalibra]

Great sound too!!! Thanks so much for uploading such an accurate transcription!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Natalie!

[@Eltipo.sm165]

Dude that was FANTASTIC!!!! I’m working on the bass line myself. Huge Doobie Brothers/Michael McDonald fan. You nailed it! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you Steve!

[@gilbertp.9851]

Awesome job!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks!

[@johnniecristaldi]

Overall great interpretation. This rhythmically has to be one his most challenging compositions

[@How2PlayMusic]

I agree! By the way, I am opening up my schedule to give a few private Zoom lessons. If you or anyone you now may be interested I have a form on my website www.how2play.us.

[@johnniecristaldi]

@How 2 Play Thanks for the invitation. I'm a keyboardist by profession and a piano/keyboard instructor at a local music school.

[@How2PlayMusic]

@@johnniecristaldi That’s great to hear!!

[@faithswain6982]

I love this song so much! Thank you for making this great tutorial!

[@How2PlayMusic]

You're very welcome!

[@marlaplunk2833]

Nicely done! Thank you for the exact demonstration I was looking for! Cheers

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Marla! I’m so glad to have helped. I want to do an actual breakdown at some point of this song. I am now opening up some time for private zoom coaching. If you ever need some one on one time for anything you can connect with me at www.how2play.us. Have a great week!

[@simonbailey2151]

I’d like this video ten times if I could. Just excellent.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@DavidSmith-ne1yb]

Heavy!!! Very nice!!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you!

[@jbwtdsnet]

That was phenomenal..

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Jay!

[@MrBkj1965]

Bravo! Those chords are right!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you!

[@corbetcampbell6508]

Excellent! Very well done!

[@How2PlayMusic]

I appreciate that!

[@ELLY333777]

Excellent!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks!

[@SteveInQLD007]

wow - what a brilliant interpretation! way to go man 👍👍

[@How2PlayMusic]

Aww thank you.

[@littlelamb6804]

Love that intro!

[@How2PlayMusic]

You bet! One of the all time best intros.

[@richtaylor6039]

You're a hell of a talented fella! Awesome vid.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks so much Rich. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video!

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

I wish I could play this on guitar.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Hey! You could try. That would be very cool!

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

@How2PlayMusic i doubt there are any arrangements already. Learning to fake it on your own is hardest. And sometimes best.

[@gduqueg]

Excelente amigo... muy bien tocado.. saludos desde venezuela !!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@kkay1341]

Awesome job!

[@kkay1341]

I've got the intro......forging onward!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks K!

[@sadhvacman7238]

Sounds like you’re using a dx-ish setting rather than the fender Rhodes setting. Could just be the recording though. You nailed the intro for sure! My Dad and myself are both keyboard players and I’ll never forget asking my Dad what he thought of that intro back in the day when he first heard it... and he said, “ it scared me”.

[@howardbiggins1467]

You killed that intro

[@howardbiggins1467]

Rob Major Do you think you can do his track Love can break your heart?

[@howardbiggins1467]

Rob Major cool looking foward to it

[@neenashaw1748]

Killer progressions, rhythms and awesome timing. Not sure that I would ever be able to master this, but you certainly have it down, for sure! I'm not worthy!!!!!

[@johnniemcelveen609]

Dude you nailed it!!!💥👊

[@matteliano454]

Beautiful job man ! Sounds so sweet.

[@How2PlayMusic]

I appreciate it!

[@matteliano454]

@@How2PlayMusic I would love to see you tackle "Goodbye Stranger" from Supertramp ! More sweet keys.

[@iGetNoRespect21]

very good, thanks.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Jeff.

[@anjuantaylor1953]

THAT'S IT ...I MEAN SPOT ON.. THANKS SO MUCH FOR SHARING!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Anjuan!

[@LALontoc]

This one is great! I know it's in 12/8 but most of the time I have to think of the intro in two parts and and then move into that 12/8 groove after the 5 bar chordal groove...you sound great!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Yeah you're right Lee. It is 12/8 but the rhythm cycle doesn't quite line up with the measures so it throws ya for sure!

[@LALontoc]

@@How2PlayMusic Still a work in progress for me 😂

[@EKBruhn]

Very nice..Great style.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank EK!

[@MauriceCalis]

Very helpful. Thanks for taking the time.

[@How2PlayMusic]

I am glad to hear that it could be helpful! Thanks Maurice for letting me know.

[@Brodney81]

A masterpiece

[@How2PlayMusic]

One of my Faves for sure!

[@skipskiperton4992]

Great job man, love to have you break it down a bit more as a “how to”...but fantastic job

[@How2PlayMusic]

That's a great idea Scott. I have been thinking the same thing about breaking it down. Since I did this video I have done a few more where I dig in and break the parts down step by step. I should at least break down that intro.

[@RebaGould]

@@How2PlayMusic If you do break it down, please don't replace this video! I would love to see your breakdown as a "part 2", but I find a lot of value in this method too. We don't all learn the same way. I would watch a breakdown video once or twice but this one is going to get played a lot by me, lol.

[@mosesramirez6330]

@@RebaGould Agreed! Although I would like to see a split screen with the midi keyboard lighting up.

[@stradaveriusfiddle]

Nice job, and much appreciated.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks!

[@SlimEstrada]

Well done - spot on

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you!

[@carriersignal]

Fantastic man!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks a lot!

[@littleboy437]

Good Job😘

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks 😋

[@bassNvocals]

Inspiring!!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Rene! Sure is! It is such a great song. I have always loved Michael McDonald's style. He is for sure inspiring to me.

[@user-lo8cc3hu1e]

Awesome!!!!! And Thanks!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Eric!

[@Beanz730Tifa]

Nailed it bro.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks!

[@jerrymammoser1509]

Pretty Damn Good, Brother. Thanks.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Jerry!

[@kristof7518]

I always wonder about the people who dislike stuff like this

[@carriersignal]

They are just jealous haters.

[@michelesantarelli3450]

watching your left hand only it's a thrill

[@How2PlayMusic]

Haha. Yeah that has a lot of left hand going on for sure!

[@lienardeddy505]

Magnifique 😉

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you Lienard!

[@cameronhicks9452]

Cool LH rythm

[@patriceanderson8239]

Perfect

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thank you!

[@WayneMusicianUK]

Well played buddy! Nailed it! 👍🏻🎹 Is that a Yamaha P250 keyboard?

[@How2PlayMusic]

Close....its' a CP300. I love that thing. I also have the MODX.

[@WayneMusicianUK]

@@How2PlayMusic I’ve got the Korg Kronos 2 88 in Gold Yamaha Montage 8 in White Kawai MP11 Roland Fantom X8 Yamaha Motif ES7

[@How2PlayMusic]

@@WayneMusicianUK Nice!! That MODX is the same brains as your Montage. Just built with plastic and less physical controls. How do you like it? Which keyboard is your fave out of your gear?

[@WayneMusicianUK]

@@How2PlayMusic I can’t really say I have a favourite, for keybed feel and quality, has to be my Kawai😊 Love Montage and Kronos but find Korg quite complicated to get my head around 🤦‍♂️

[@RK-kp9xs]

Please tell me who writes music like this anymore.

[@jfjusa1]

this makes me want to be able to play the keyboards so badly!

[@iGetNoRespect21]

Michael McDonald is legendary.

[@Loopy_McLooperson]

Really great voicings and playing. I'm a keyboard novice and am wondering what patch or tone is being used on right hand. Is that a Rhodes patch with phase shifter, and normal piano on left hand?

[@How2PlayMusic]

I layered an acoustic piano with a phaser Rhodes. Good ear!

[@Jerry-oo8hd]

Let me ask you this….would there be a way for you to demonstrate Mike’s background vocas in “Peg”? I mean, could you, would you play them out? Thanks

[@How2PlayMusic]

I’ll see what I can do. Those harmonies are amazing in Peg. I just saw an interview from Rick Beato with Michael McDonald and Michael was saying how those harmonies were so close together that he had to have them mute his previous parts so that he could concentrate on the next harmony that he added because of the dissonant intervals.

[@Jerry-oo8hd]

@@How2PlayMusic …yeah. Saw that. There’s a youtube link that isolates Mikes harmonies and even sitting at the piano listening to these, I jist cannot get them all. 🤷

[@Jayell61]

That's just stupid good.

[@How2PlayMusic]

Awww, thank you!

[@bigkeezo]

that's funky!

[@gregorymmckee]

Where can I find the sheet music for this arrangement?

[@How2PlayMusic]

I’m not sure. I don’t read music very well. I can only play by ear unfortunately. I wish I could help!

[@RickBeligni]

Damn Good!!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Rick!

[@pacoblancosmith]

Damn, spot on for what I need!! Now do Hey Girl by Michael and I’ll send you a huge cash tip.!!!!

[@How2PlayMusic]

I had never heard the song Hey Girl before by Michael. And I’m a huge fan. It’s a beautiful arrangement! No piano type keys, just the soft pad. Very nice. I may have to take you up on this!

[@pacoblancosmith]

@@How2PlayMusic Please do! There are NO tutorials on this on KZbin….and you’d be doing me a huge service!

[@How2PlayMusic]

Hi pacoblancosmith! I just wanted to reach out to you and let you know that I am looking to add a few private lesson times to my schedule. If that interests you just go to my website, www.how2play.us, and fill out the form. I am just reaching out to a few of my subscribers that I feel have a passion to learn. Thanks!

[@Earlvis]

Fabulous! What is the tone? Rhodes with chorus?

[@How2PlayMusic]

The original is a Rhodes sound with phaser as far as I can guess. I used a Piano layer just to make the tone have a little more attack for the video but if I were playing it with a band I would just stick to the Rhodes with phaser.

[@retiringsoon1552]

Do you have sheet music of this?

[@How2PlayMusic]

I don’t unfortunately.

[@joeaddison7120]

I remember trying to learn this by ear on guitar. I had to forgo the entire first part due to fried brain. It’s a loop that sounds like it’s not a loop. 😂

[@How2PlayMusic]

Yeah it’s a brain fryer for sure. Lol

[@atribecalledjudah5436]

Play that shit brotha!!!!

[@maxwellrabin_properties]

Damn dude

[@gonzaloramirez7134]

0:46

[@yt-mr_doowie1047]

00:47

[@dektold76]

Hi. What controller are you using? Or is that a synth? Thanks.

[@How2PlayMusic]

This one is a Yamaha CP300. The best piano/electric piano in feel and in sound that I have yet to play. I just bought a Roland RD-2000 and am tackling the learning curve. It is really nice as well and has a ton more sounds and controllability. The CP300 has high end speakers that sound great built in in fact some owners mic the speakers live rather than plug in directly to the PA system. But the drawback is it weighs a good 75 pounds. If you ever get a chance to play one you will see what I mean as far as the keyboard feel and piano sounds.

[@claudeattou4595]

💥👏👏👏

[@How2PlayMusic]

Thanks Claude!

[@lienardeddy505]

💕

[@BennoSattler]

Yo Mike, are you trolling here? Show ya face 😎

[@bigguybarry8121]

time for you to get yourself a fender rhodes

[@How2PlayMusic]

Haha. Nothing like the real deal!

[@pesto12601]

How 2? I think not...

[@How2PlayMusic]

You’re right. This was my first post and i had just thrown this out there. It was after I saw how many people responded that I realized the need to dig a little deeper in the videos. I’ve always intended to break down this song in the same detailed way as the ensuing videos. I apologize for the let down. Thank you the comment because it lets me know that I need to follow through and do an actual break down…especially that intro. 😊

[@pesto12601]

@@How2PlayMusic would love to see the breakdown someday.. lol.. didn't realize how old this video was until now... whoops!

[@scottellis6986]

It’s not that hard. They’re just triplets

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

Bad...